NAS Takes Back-To-School Campaign To Bayelsa, Donates Educational Materials

The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), Oxbow Marino Deck, has taken its Back-to-School campaign to Tarakiri Community Secondary School, Ayama-Ijaw, in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, with a call for students to embrace reading, education and academic excellence.

The initiative, which seeks to promote literacy and sustainable reading culture among secondary school students, featured the donation of school bags, books and other educational materials, as well as the inauguration of a Reading Club.

Speaking on Tuesday at the school during the programme, the Cap’n of Oxbow Marino Deck, Arch. Timiebi Binafeigha, said the intervention was a pilot project designed to support students and promote education, with plans to replicate similar initiatives in other schools and communities.

He urged the students to make effective use of the materials provided and take their studies seriously.

The campaign was also preceded by an advocacy programme on Radio Bayelsa 97.1 FM, where Binafeigha highlighted the association’s commitment to promoting education and literacy.

The Principal of the school, Mrs Mathew Ebitei, commended NAS for selecting the school for the intervention and urged the students to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the programme.

The advocacy session, delivered by renowned author and educationist, Madam Annete David-West, focused on “The Importance of Reading, Literacy, Academic Excellence and Personal Development.”

David-West encouraged the students to make reading a daily habit, stressing its importance to academic success, intellectual development, character formation and personal growth.

A major highlight of the programme was the inauguration of the Tarakiri Community Secondary School Reading Club, with the school’s English teacher, Mrs Faith Orubo, appointed as its Matron/Coordinator.

About 10 books were donated to the club to provide additional reading resources and sustain the initiative.

During the presentation of the educational intervention, the 2nd Mate of Oxbow Marino Deck, Mr Oti Premobowei, said students in SS1, SS2 and SS3 received school bags, five branded exercise books each, English Language, Mathematics and Social Studies textbooks, among other educational materials.

JS3 students also benefited from school bags and exercise books.
The organisers said the inclusion of students across different classes was aimed at ensuring wider participation and impact.

As part of efforts to promote personal hygiene among the students, NIVEA roll-ons were also distributed to participating students and teachers.